Can a person request for donations for medical treatment? In the event of shifa, can the person continue to use the funds? If the person expires, can the family use the money received through donations for that person’s treatment?

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

Thank you for your question.

Begging someone for one’s needs is prohibited in Islam.

“Whoever continues to beg people for their property in order to accumulate much property, surely asks for a piece of fire”(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).

One is only permitted to beg others for their needs, when they do not have the means or resources for survival. Practically, a life and death situation. That being said, if one finds themselves in a dire circumstance as described, then it will be permissible to solicit funds for the medical treatment.

If such funds are gifted to the individual, then it becomes their property. They are in full control for its use. After the medical treatment, they may use the remaining amount for any personal use. If they pass away, his or her heirs will include the remaining amount of such funds, in the inheritance to be distributed.

If the funds were borrowed, then the amount must be returned to the lender.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf BadatHadith of the Day ImamImam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah Institute